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A game drive vehicle drives through the savanna of the Maasai Mara on a private Kenya safari.

Private safaris in Kenya

Tailor your guided private safari with complete flexibility

JUST YOU AND YOUR FAVOURITE PEOPLE ON AN UNFORGETTABLE PRIVATE SAFARI IN KENYA

A private Kenya safari is ideal for families, romantic couples, or travellers with specific interests such as birdwatching or photography. You can choose dates, destinations, and activities.

With an expert guide driving a 4×4 vehicle, you can expect exceptional game viewing and experiences in Kenya’s top parks, such as the Masai Mara or hidden gems like Meru National Park.

We can assist you with every step, from selecting the best places to stay to arranging unique activities like a balloon safari or joining a lion-tracking team.

Guests and guide in a safari vehicle on a private safari looking at the sunset.
Who should go

Those seeking intimate experiences in the heart of nature

A private Kenya safari offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers looking for a personalised safari.

With your own vehicle and guide, you can enjoy complete autonomy. From destinations to activities, create your very own itinerary together with our experienced travel experts.

Choose a private Kenya safari to create memories that will last a lifetime.

  • Romantics
  • Families & Friends
  • Photographers
  • Special Interest Travellers
Mia Hald | Kenya Travel Expert
‘Private safaris in Kenya offer unique experiences perfect for life’s special moments such as an anniversary, honeymoon, or simply an opportunity to spend time with your family in nature.’
Mia | Kenya Travel Expert
A lioness sitting in tall grass at sunset in Kenya's Maasai Mara.
WHERE TO EXPERIENCE IT

EXPLORE KENYA’S PARKS FROM THE NORTH TO THE SOUTH

On a private Kenya safari, you can visit highlights and hidden gems: safaris occur in the north and south.

The south is home to famous parks such as Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli, Tsavo East, and Tsavo West National Parks, which offer excellent wildlife viewing.

The north features remote parks far from the crowds, such as Samburu National Reserve and Meru National Park.

Private conservancies limit visitor numbers and offer intimate experiences. Notable examples include Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and Solio Game Reserve.

When to go

Kenya is a year-round destination. Still, the best time to visit for a safari and beach retreat is the dry season from June to October, when the weather and wildlife viewing are at their best. However, higher prices apply during the high season and there are generally more travellers around.

Prices and visitor numbers reduce during the shoulder seasons, from November to mid-December (short rains) and January to mid-March (short dry season). The long rains from mid-March to May trigger the low season.

A private safari vehicle on a dusty road during the dry season

Dry Season

June to October Best period for exceptional game viewing conditions

June to October Best period for exceptional game viewing conditions

The dry season, from June to October, is the best time to visit Kenya. However, it is the high season due to its popularity, and booking at several months in advance is recommended.

Temperatures are pleasant and ideal for treks, safaris, and beach retreats. Wildlife viewing is also at its best, thanks to sparse vegetation, which makes spotting species easier.

Moreover, the dry landscapes force the wildlife to congregate near permanent water sources, resulting in rewarding game drives.

A road leads through a lush and green landscape in Tsavo West during the rainy season.

Green Season

November to May Best time to see migratory birds in green landscapes

November to May Best time to see migratory birds in green landscapes

The green season, from November to May, is an excellent time to visit Kenya, when you can enjoy fewer visitors and lower prices.

The short rains (shoulder season) occur unpredictably from November to mid-December in passing thunderstorms, bringing new life to the plains and turning the landscapes green.

Another excellent time to visit is a brief dry period from January to mid-March (shoulder season). The long rains happen from mid-March to May (low season), with April receiving the highest rainfall.

YOUR PRIVATE KENYA SAFARI

Our country experts have carefully crafted itineraries that will take you to the best places in Kenya.

You can choose one of the below safari itineraries or customise one to create your dream safari.

Contact us today to make your private safari a reality.

Accommodations

CHOOSE THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN KENYA

Private safaris allow you to stay in the finest accommodations in Kenya’s most stunning destinations. Choose from luxurious lodges built sustainably to blend in with the environment or permanent tented camps that provide exceptional comforts far from civilisation.

For an immersive adventure in nature, you might enjoy Adventure Camping, which takes you to public campsites in Kenya’s best parks. Here, a team sets up camp and prepares three delicious meals, allowing you to soak up all the sights and sounds.

Our country experts can assist you in choosing the accommodation that suits your preferences.

Deck overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River at Elephant Bedroom Camp in Samburu.

Elephant Bedroom Camp

A twin room from inside at Ilkeliani Camp Maasai Mara

Ilkeliani Camp

View of Kilimanjaro from Elerai Camp in Amboseli

Elerai Camp

Aerial view of Soroi Mara Private Wing Camp

Mara Bush Camp – Private Wing

Swimming pool at Severin Safari Camp in Tasvo West National Park

Severin Safari Camp

Outdoor common area at Serenity Mara Legends with seating arrangements.

Serenity Mara Legends Camp

Guest tent and veranda at Asilia Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

Asilia Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

Bed in a superior room at Kandili Camp in Mara North.

Kandili Camp

View from the bed and through the sky light at Saruni Leopard Hill Mara Naboisho.

Leopard Hill Camp

Woman standing on balcony at Lions Bluff Lodge overlooking Lumo Conservancy

Lions Bluff Lodge

Interior guest room at Elewana Lewa Safari Camp

Elewana Lewa Safari Camp

Highlights of a private Kenya safari

Advantages of private safaris in Kenya

Private safaris’ defining features are complete flexibility and privacy.

Another advantage is being accompanied by an expert private guide who provides insight into a new world, shares local knowledge, reveals nature’s secrets, and customise game drives to suit you. Ultimately, the quality of a safari experience depends on the guide’s expertise.

On private Kenya safaris, you choose which destination you'd like to visit - you can go to more remote areas like the stunningly beautiful Samburu National Reserve.

You decide which camps and lodges you would like to stay at. This is a guest tent at the intimate Kandili Camp in the Mara North Conservancy.

You have your own 4x4 safari vehicle and expert private guide by your side.

A group of guests is enjoying a sundowner while on a private Kenya safari.

On a private safari, you can add activities and experiences like a sundowner with drinks and snacks to enjoy the sunset in a special setting.

What to expect on a private safari in Kenya

Advantages of a private tour

Choose your travel companions

Private safaris are ideal for special moments because you can share a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the people you love the most.

Moreover, you never have to worry about third-party companion’s wants and desires. Consequently, if you want to head out into the bush an hour early because a lion was spotted nearby, or if you want sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your beautiful lodge – you can.

Choose your itinerary

An advantage of a private Kenya safari is choosing where to go and what to see. You can select a fly-in destination for a remote experience, then hopscotch between parks and conservancies in close proximity in a safari vehicle.

Younger members of your group can trek to the summit of Mount Kenya, while others enjoy private game drives in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

The choice is yours.

Choose your national parks and conservancies

When comparing national parks and conservancies, there are some differences and one similarity to be aware of.

The first difference is that conservancies are privately owned initiatives that channel funds into conservation and community projects.

The second difference is that some of them restrict the number of visitors to safeguard the ecosystem. Consequently, they are ideal destinations for an intimate experience.

Thirdly, due to their status being private, most offer additional activities such as walking, cycling or visiting conservation projects, making them great for families.

The similarity is that you can expect superb game viewing at both.

Choose your experiences

Private safaris allow you to add numerous activities to your itinerary. This means, you can experience nature up close on a guided walking safari, float above the trees on a balloon safari, and witness millions of animals on a wildebeest safari.

Find out more on our What to Do guide.

How to plan a private safari in Kenya

Planning a safari starts by learning where to go and when to visit.

Once you know what you want to see and do, the easiest way to proceed is to arrange a no-obligation conversation with one of our travel experts. As you’ll quickly discover, they are experts and can make suggestions to take your experience to the next level.

For example, you can enjoy the best parks in Kenya and then cross the border into Tanzania to see Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. Or if you want to horse ride or run through the wild, they can make it happen.

If you decide to book with us, one of our travel experts will be there for you from your first contact until you go home. Moreover, with our own office, vehicles, and guides in the country, you can rest assured that you will enjoy a safe experience.

Special interest safaris in Kenya

Private safaris are fantastic if you have a special interest, such as photography or birdwatching, because you set the goals, and we help you make them happen.

For birdwatching safaris, we can pair you with an expert guide to take you to the best places in Kenya. Alternatively, you can provide us with your bucket list of desired birds, and we will suggest the best time of year to spot them and help you find them.

On a photography safari, you will be accompanied by a guide who knows how to get you to the right place at the right time. Moreover, specially adapted 4×4 vehicles with charging points, large windows, and roof hatches that create unobstructed views will aid your experience.

As photographing wildlife at eye level is the goal of most photographers, our country experts can – in select locations – book accommodation with photography hides, allowing you to capture superb wildlife photos.

A very young elephant stands between the legs of the older elephants.
Wildlife Experiences

You have complete flexibility on game drives to wait for the perfect moment.

Aerial view of Elephant Gorge Camp and swimming pool in Amboseli.
Personal Camps & Lodges

Choose your home in the wild - from cozy to modern and everything in-between.

A male lion with a large beautiful mane lying on the ground
Kenya Specialist Taher Nassrulla
A safari vehicle is driving in the Masai Mara at sunset.

Experience Kenya with us

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